Abram bin Yiju was a Jewish merchant and scholar from the 12th century, originally from Tunisia. He is known for his extensive travels and business dealings across the medieval Islamic world, including a significant period of his life spent in India.
2. Why did Abram bin Yiju move to India?
Abram bin Yiju moved to India to take advantage of the thriving trade opportunities along the Indian Ocean trade routes. India was a rich source of spices and other valuable commodities, making it an attractive destination for merchants like Ben Yiju.
3. How long did Abram bin Yiju live in India, and where?
He lived in Mangalore, India, for about 17 years during the mid-12th century. This period was crucial for his trading activities and allowed him to integrate into the local economic and social fabric.
4. What impact did Abram bin Yiju have in India?
While specific impacts are hard to quantify, his writings provide crucial insights into the cultural and economic exchanges between the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. His presence in India illustrates the active role of Jewish merchants in the medieval global trade network.
5. What types of goods did Abram bin Yiju trade in India?
Abram bin Yiju dealt primarily in spices, which were a highly prized commodity in the markets of the Middle East and Europe. His trade likely included other regional products that were in demand along the trade routes of that era.
6. Are there any surviving records from Abram bin Yiju's time in India?
Yes, some of Abram bin Yiju's writings, including personal letters and business documents, have survived as part of the Cairo Geniza collection. These documents are a valuable resource for historians studying the dynamics of the medieval Indian Ocean trade network.
7. What do Abram bin Yiju's writings tell us about the period?
His writings offer a window into the life of the Jewish diaspora in the medieval period and provide detailed accounts of commercial practices, social conditions, and the extensive networks that connected diverse cultures across the medieval world.
These FAQs aim to provide a concise overview of Abram bin Yiju's connections with India and his role in the broader historical context of the medieval trade networks.
SRIRAM’s
Share:
Get a call back
Fill the below form to get free counselling for UPSC Civil Services exam preparation